Peggy from Kerry by L.T. Meade

Nobody specially remarked the absence of Peggy Desmond from school that afternoon. It is true that beyond doubt the poor child would have been found much sooner had not Miss Archdale been forced to go into the nearest town on special business for Mrs. Fleming; but when school was over, and it was time to go into the refectory for the midday meal, The Imp knew well that some immediate steps must be taken, or her conduct and that of her satellites would be discovered. She, therefore, during the few minutes which were given to the girls to prepare for dinner, sought her chosen ally, Grace Dodd, and told her that she must certainly go and look for Peggy, and must get Peggy to promise to keep the whole affair dark.

"She's such an ignorant little cad," said The Imp, "that she does not know any of the rules of a school where ladies are trained. Of course, if she were one of the other girls she would know that what has occurred would be kept a profound secret, and that any girl who divulged that secret would break the honour of the school. Go and find her as quickly as possible, Grace. Tell her that of course the thing is at an end, and that I'll be decent to her in the future-that is, if she _doesn't_ tell. If she does, I declare I could almost kill her! But run, do run, Grace; I don't see her anywhere about, and we'll be late for hall."